Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona: Liverpool want to sign Ivan Rakitic as part of the deal

BARCELONA midfielder Ivan Rakitic is considering an offer to join Liverpool, according to reports in Spain.
Barcelona and Liverpool have spent much of the last few weeks in negotiations over Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazil international is wanted in Catalonia to replace Neymar, and has handed in a transfer request to try and broker a move away from Anfield.

However, it appears that another name is now cropping up in talks.

Spanish outlet Diario Gol claim that Liverpool are hellbent on raiding Barcelona for midfield maestro Rakitic.

The Croatia international toiled under Luis Enrique last season and, with the La Liga side currently struggling, appears to be weighing up his future at the Nou Camp.
It is said that Jurgen Klopp thinks Rakitic could be a huge signing for Liverpool.

And Diario Gol say the German even reckons pairing him alongside Jordan Henderson and Emre Can could be the ticket to the Reds winning a first-ever Premier League title.

Rakitic, meanwhile, has supposedly been left touched by the offer.

Barcelona could include the 29-year-old in future Coutinho negotiations with Liverpool currently standing firm.

The Reds rejected the Brazilian’s transfer request and have also failed with two bids, the latest being £90million.
Speaking after their 3-3 draw with Watford on Saturday, Klopp appeared to imply any decision over Coutinho’s future is out of his hands.




“As a manager of a football club I have bosses,” he said.

“And if the bosses decide, for example, just in general, if sell a player or we don’t sell him, then I have to accept it.

“If they don’t sell him, then I’m not involved anymore. I am responsible for all of players, not just one, two or three. I cannot say anything about it. I work with the players I have, that is what I’m always doing.”

Source:www.express.co.uk